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American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Black Review

★★★★ 4.3/5 (22498 reviews)
$141.98
Brand: American Lawn Mower
American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Black
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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 is a classic reel mower that brings back the simplicity of manual lawn care. Designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized, relatively flat lawns, this 18-inch, 5-blade push mower cuts cleanly without gas, oil, or electricity. It’s best for those who value a quiet, eco-friendly mowing experience and have grass that isn’t too tall or thick.

Who Should Buy This

1. Eco-conscious homeowners on small lots (under 1/4 acre) – If your lawn is modest and you want zero emissions, no fuel costs, and no extension cords, this mower is your ticket. It’s perfect for the environmentally minded who don’t mind a bit of physical effort.

2. Suburbanites with flat, well-maintained lawns – This mower thrives on yards that are mowed regularly (every 5–7 days) and have grass under 4 inches tall. If your lawn is bumpy, steep, or overgrown, look elsewhere.

3. Budget-minded buyers wanting low long-term costs – At roughly $140, this is a fraction of the cost of a gas or battery mower. With no fuel, oil changes, or spark plugs to buy, it pays for itself quickly.

4. Noise-sensitive neighbors (or you) – If you’re tired of waking the block or want to mow early without complaints, this reel mower is nearly silent. It’s also a great option for households with young children or pets who hate loud machines.

Key Features Breakdown

18-inch cutting width – This is a sweet spot for reel mowers. It’s wide enough to cover a small lawn efficiently (about 30% faster than a 16-inch model) but still maneuverable around flower beds and tight corners. Expect to finish a 2,500-square-foot lawn in about 20 minutes.

5-blade reel – More blades mean a finer, scissor-like cut. Five blades on an 18-inch mower provides a clean slice that’s gentle on grass, reducing the browning and tearing you might see with rotary mowers. The result is a healthier, greener lawn over time.

Heat-treated steel blades – These stay sharp longer than basic steel. The company claims they hold an edge for 5–10 seasons with proper care. You’ll still need to sharpen them eventually, but it’s less frequent than cheaper reel mowers.

10-inch rear wheels, 8-inch front wheels – Larger wheels roll easier over uneven ground and reduce the effort needed to push. The rear wheels are bigger to help with taller grass, but don’t expect this mower to handle thick weeds or wet clippings without clogging.

Adjustable cutting height (1/2 to 2 inches) – Six positions let you dial in the height. This range is fine for most fescues, bluegrass, or Bermuda, but it won’t go high enough for lawns that need 3-inch cuts in summer heat. Most users find 1.5 inches ideal.

Weight: 27 pounds – Light enough to carry up a few steps or load into a car trunk. It’s also nimble for a manual mower, though the weight distribution can feel front-heavy on slopes.

Pros

  1. Dead quiet – The only sound is the click of blades against the bed knife. You can mow at 6 AM without annoying anyone.
  2. Zero emissions, zero fuel costs – No gas cans, no extension cords, no battery chargers. Just push and go.
  3. Excellent cut quality – The scissor action leaves a clean, manicured look that rotary mowers can’t match. Grass heals faster and looks greener.
  4. Low maintenance – No oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters. Sharpen the blades every couple of years, and you’re set.
  5. Lightweight and easy to store – At 27 pounds, it hangs on a wall hook or leans in a corner without taking up much space.
  6. Great exercise – It’s a mini workout that burns about 200–300 calories per mow for a typical 1/4-acre lawn. Skip the gym.

Cons

  1. Struggles with tall or thick grass – If your lawn gets over 4 inches tall, this mower will clog, skip, or require multiple passes. You’ll need to mow frequently or cut it down gradually.
  2. Poor on uneven terrain – The reel design needs a relatively flat surface. Bumps, dips, or rocks cause the mower to scalp the lawn or miss patches.
  3. No grass collection bag – It’s a mulching-only mower. Clippings are fine for the lawn, but if you want to bag leaves or long grass, you’ll need a separate tool.
  4. Limited height range – The max cutting height of 2 inches is too low for some warm-season grasses (like St. Augustine) or lawns that need longer blades during drought.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 is a solid, no-frills reel mower that delivers on its promise of a quiet, clean cut for small, flat lawns. It’s not for everyone—if your yard is bumpy, overgrown, or bigger than a quarter acre, you’ll want a powered mower. But for the right buyer—someone with a modest, well-tended lawn who values simplicity, low cost, and eco-friendliness—this is one of the best reel mowers on the market. I recommend it confidently for those who mow weekly and don’t mind a little exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does it actually cut grass as well as a gas mower?
A: For grass under 4 inches tall that’s mowed regularly, yes—the cut is actually cleaner and healthier. But it won’t handle thick, wet, or tall grass like a gas rotary mower. You need to stay on top of mowing frequency.

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: With normal use (mowing once a week for 5–6 months), expect to sharpen every 2–3 years. The heat-treated steel holds an edge well. You can use a sharpening kit or take it to a small engine shop.

Q: Will this mower work on Bermuda grass?
A: Yes, if you keep it short. Bermuda thrives at 1–2 inches, which is within this mower’s range. Just mow twice a week during peak growth to avoid it getting too tall for the reel to handle.

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Great States 815-18 offers the better value for most buyers, delivering identical cutting performance at a significantly lower price, while the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 wins on build durability and warranty length for those willing to pay more.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature American Lawn Mower 1815-18 Great States 815-18
Price $141.98 $116.00
Power Source Manual (push reel) Manual (push reel)
Cutting Width 18 inches 18 inches
Self-Propelled No No
Best Yard Size Up to ¼ acre Up to ¼ acre
Warranty 5 years 2 years

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

  1. Superior Warranty Coverage – The American Lawn Mower Company backs its 1815-18 model with a 5-year warranty, more than double the Great States’ 2-year coverage. This provides peace of mind for buyers who expect long-term use and want protection against manufacturing defects in the reel, bearings, or frame.

  2. Heavier-Duty Build Quality – At roughly 2–3 pounds heavier than the Great States (based on user reports), the American Lawn Mower uses thicker-gauge steel in its frame and reel assembly. This added mass translates to better momentum through thick grass and less vibration during use, which can improve cut consistency over time.

  3. Higher Customer Review Volume – With over 22,000 reviews (compared to 9,256 for Great States), the American Lawn Mower has a much larger sample size proving its reliability. This extensive feedback base indicates consistent performance across diverse grass types and climates, reducing the risk of hidden flaws.

Where Great States Wins

  1. Lower Price Point – At $116.00, the Great States is $25.98 cheaper than the American Lawn Mower. That’s a 22% savings for a mower with identical cutting width (18 inches) and blade count (5). The savings can be redirected toward a grass catcher, sharpening kit, or other accessories.

  2. Lighter Weight for Easier Maneuvering – The Great States is noticeably lighter, typically weighing around 24–25 pounds versus the American’s 27–28 pounds. This makes it easier to push on slopes, maneuver around flower beds, and lift over curbs or into storage—a meaningful advantage for users with smaller frames or less upper-body strength.

  3. Comparable Cutting Performance at Lower Cost – Both mowers use 5-blade reels with 18-inch cutting widths, and both achieve the same clean scissor-cut on grass up to 3–4 inches tall. The Great States delivers identical cutting results for everyday lawns without the premium price, making it the smarter budget choice.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1815-18) if: you plan to keep the mower for more than 5 years, have a slightly uneven lawn that benefits from extra weight for momentum, and want the security of a long warranty. It’s the better pick for buyers who treat a reel mower as a long-term investment rather than a seasonal tool.

Buy Mower B (Great States 815-18) if: you’re on a tight budget, need a lighter mower for easy pushing on slopes or small yards, and don’t mind a shorter warranty. It’s ideal for first-time reel mower users, renters, or anyone who wants identical cutting quality without overspending.

Neither mower is best if: your yard exceeds ¼ acre, has grass taller than 4 inches regularly, or contains thick weeds. In those cases, consider a gas or electric mower instead. For small, flat lawns with fine grass, both models work well—but Great States offers the better deal.

Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 wins overall for most buyers due to its significantly higher user satisfaction (4.3 vs. 3.7 stars), wider 18-inch cutting deck for faster mowing, and five-blade reel that delivers a cleaner cut on larger lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature American Lawn Mower 1815-18 Sun Joe MJ503M
Price $141.98 $114.99
Power Source Manual push reel Manual push reel
Cutting Width 18 inches 14 inches
Self-Propelled No No
Best Yard Size Up to 1/3 acre Up to 1/8 acre
Warranty 1 year limited 2 years limited

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

  1. Cutting width efficiency: The 18-inch deck is 28% wider than Sun Joe’s 14-inch model, meaning you cover more ground per pass. For a typical 5,000 sq ft lawn, the American mower saves about 15–20 minutes compared to the Sun Joe.

  2. Superior cut quality and reliability: With five hardened steel blades (vs. Sun Joe’s standard reel) and a 4.3-star average from over 22,000 reviews, this mower consistently delivers clean, scissor-like cuts on Bermuda, fescue, and bluegrass. The high review count indicates long-term durability—many owners report 5+ years of use.

  3. Better for taller or thicker grass: The 18-inch model handles grass up to 4–5 inches tall without clogging, thanks to its larger reel and wider wheelbase. Sun Joe’s 14-inch reel tends to stall on dense or slightly overgrown lawns, requiring multiple passes.

Where Sun Joe Wins

  1. Lower upfront cost: At $114.99, the Sun Joe is $27 cheaper—a 19% savings. For budget-conscious buyers or those with tiny lawns, this price difference can be meaningful.

  2. Adjustable cutting height with more positions: Sun Joe offers 9 cutting height positions (ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches), while the American mower has a standard 5-position adjustment. More positions allow finer tuning for different grass types or seasonal changes.

  3. Longer warranty: Sun Joe provides a 2-year limited warranty versus American Lawn Mower’s 1-year warranty. This extra coverage may appeal to buyers worried about long-term reliability, though the lower review scores suggest more frequent issues.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1815-18) if:

  • Your lawn is 2,500–5,000 sq ft (typical suburban lot)
  • You want the most reliable, well-reviewed manual mower on the market
  • You prefer faster mowing with fewer passes and a cleaner cut on standard grass types

Buy Mower B (Sun Joe MJ503M) if:

  • Your lawn is very small (under 1,500 sq ft) or you only need a trimmer for tight spaces
  • Your budget is strict under $120
  • You want maximum cutting height adjustability for delicate or mixed grass varieties

Skip both if:
Your lawn exceeds 1/3 acre, has thick St. Augustine or Zoysia grass over 6 inches tall, or includes significant slopes—consider a gas or electric mower instead. For most homeowners with average-sized, well-maintained lawns, the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 is the clear winner.

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Last updated: June 2026